Sir Bobby Charlton, who played in the same Army teams as Armfield during their national service, and later alongside him for England at the 1962 World Cup in Chile, spoke of his sadness.

He said: "I knew the man as well as the player, and it was not by chance that we stayed in touch for so long after we both retired.

"I have missed listening to his authoritative radio commentaries and now I will miss seeing Mr Blackpool around the scene."

Sir Geoff Hurst, who played with Armfield twice in the run-up to the 1966 World Cup, said: "Jimmy was a great part of our group at the World Cup, one of the great full-backs, and one of the nicest guys you could wish to meet.

"I got to know him more after the World Cup, playing golf and at the reunions. Just an absolutely super guy and a sad loss."

Despite being a member of the 1966 cup-winning squad, a toe injury meant Armfield did not play as the team went on to win the tournament.

After leaving Leeds in 1979, Armfield started writing for the Daily Express and became a match summariser on BBC radio football commentaries, working for Radio 2 and later 5 Live. He celebrated his 30th year on the BBC's airwaves in 2009.

His family said: "Jimmy had two great loves, first and foremost was his family, to which he was devoted and loved dearly. The other was football, especially Blackpool, England and his colleagues at the PFA (Professional Footballers' Association).

"The family extends its thanks as we try to come to terms in a world without Jimmy."

Blackpool FC said: "Our heartfelt condolences go out to Jimmy's wife Anne, his two sons, Duncan and John, and the rest of the Armfield family at this time."

PFA chief Gordon Taylor, who counted Armfield as a personal friend, said he was "a national hero and football legend, Blackpool icon and captain of England, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him".

As a tribute to the resort's adopted son Blackpool Tower was lit up in Tangerine - Blackpool FC's colours - and the flag flew at half mast on council buildings.

The club is donating proceeds from its home game on Saturday against Charlton Athletic to Trinity Hospice, where Armfield spent his last days.